Despite Michael Jordan Jock Tax, LeBron James, Conor McGregor & Tiger Woods Beaten by New ‘Highest Paid Athlete in the US’ After Minting Historical Deal

Lionel Messi took the world by storm when he first left the Spanish club Barcelona. He gave fans another shock when he decided to cross the Atlantic and join Inter Miami instead of renewing the contract with PSG. 

After he weighed in his options, which must have included a return to Blaugrana or penning a more lucrative deal with Saudi pro clubs, he preferred a league that is still finding its feet. 

More details about his new deal have emerged which has put several American sports stars on notice. The Argentine player, after collecting the coveted world cup trophy last year, has completed his soccer career. Further, he opted against a move to Saudi when Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante followed in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Not only does Messi’s contract makes him the highest-paid player in MLS but also puts him ahead of other American greats. The forward’s unique deal with Inter Miami also has specific stipulations with sponsors, Apple, Adidas, and Fanatics. 

He is expected to share the revenue spoils with MLS’s sponsors. In addition, he can exercise the option to buy a minority stake in the club, akin to David Beckham. Inter Miami’s managing owner Jorge Mas revealed Messi will pocket close to $60 million per year. 

It includes his salary, an option of owning a stake in the club, and his signing bonus. In addition, he will be tied to the club from July 1, 2023, until December 2025. Even after deducting federal tax, Jock’s tax, and Medicare, the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner will bank over $31 million as net income.